Medical Careers That Involve Traveling

There are several different kinds of medical careers that involve or even require traveling to various locations. Explore some of these jobs and compare their median salaries and expected job growth rates.

Medical Career Options that Involve Traveling

Although it is more common for medical jobs to involve local travel, there are some jobs that may provide opportunity for regional or even global travel as well. Learn about a handful of the medical jobs that involve some level of travel.

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Career Information for Medical Careers that Involve Traveling

Physicians and Surgeons

Some physicians and surgeons may need to travel locally between their offices and the hospital or other locations to care for patients, while other physicians and surgeons may travel on larger scales for the military or humanitarian work. Physicians evaluate their patients and diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses and injuries with medication and other treatment methods. Surgeons also address various conditions, such as deformities and diseases, through different kinds of surgeries. Physicians and surgeons must complete 4 years of medical school after earning their bachelor's degree, followed by 3 to 7 years of residency depending on their specialization.

Registered Nurses

Some registered nurses may also travel locally to patients' homes or other facilities to provide care, as well as traveling throughout the country or the world to address healthcare worker shortages. These professionals help assess and observe patients, perform diagnostic tests, update patients' medical records and administer medications and some treatments. Nurses are often the medical professionals who help patients and their families prepare for patient care at home and answer any questions that the patient or the family may have about how to manage their condition. All registered nurses must have a license, but education requirements include a hospital diploma, associate's or bachelor's degree.

EMTs and Paramedics

EMTs and paramedics must travel to respond to all kinds of medical emergencies, but typically this travel is local so that they can respond as quickly as possible. These professionals respond to 911 calls that range from somewhat serious to life-threatening, and they must quickly assess a patient's condition and begin administering treatment. As soon as they are able, they transport the patient to the nearest hospital and must update the doctors and other healthcare workers about the patient's condition and what treatments they have administered. Although education requirements vary by state, all EMTs and paramedics must be licensed and usually complete a postsecondary program.

Health Educators and Community Health Workers

Health educators and community health workers also typically travel locally to assess the needs of their community and lead various health programs. Both positions aim to educate the public about different health topics and connect people with necessary medical resources, but health educators develop programs and materials and oversee and train staff and community health workers. Community health workers usually travel more often than health educators, since they go out into the community to lead outreach programs, collect data and discuss health topics with the public. Community health workers may have a high school diploma or certification, while health educators usually need at least a bachelor's degree and may need a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential.

Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives

Technical and scientific sales representatives, which include those who sell medical devices, medicine and other healthcare-related products, travel often to sell their products. Their sales region may be small or large to cover multiple states as they travel to meet with customers, discuss their product and negotiate prices. Technical and scientific sales representatives must understand a customer's needs and connect them with the most appropriate product, then be prepared to answer any questions about the product. Technical and scientific sales representatives usually need at least a bachelor's degree and knowledge in the particular field of their product, such as pharmaceuticals or chemistry.